Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorder are challenging enough. For individuals living with one, dealing with the added stigma can cause extra and unnecessary stress. Every day at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, our multidisciplinary team strives to spread awareness about social anxiety and other types of anxiety disorders, in order to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek anxiety therapy.

Stigma vs. Fact: 5 Truths About Anxiety Disorder

1. Anxiety disorder is the most common type of mental health condition.

Around 40 million people in America experience anxiety disorder every year. There are six main kinds: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Unfortunately, statistics indicate that less than 40% of individuals seek treatment. Associated stigma is likely a major cause of this, as people may be embarrassed to ask for help.

2. Anxiety disorders generally develop due to a combination of factors—it’s not just “all in the head.”

Anxiety disorders are different than the regular anxiety that every person experiences on occasion. For a person living with an anxiety disorder, their extreme anxiety is caused by a combination of factors—including genetics, personality/temperament, life events, and brain chemistry and structure.

3. An anxiety attack is NOT the only manifestation of social anxiety or other types of anxiety disorders.

While an anxiety attack or panic attack is a common feature of anxiety disorders, it’s not the only one. A person is diagnosable when their symptoms begin to affect their ability to function in everyday life and impair their interpersonal relationships—with or without anxiety attacks.

Typical signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder include rapid heart rate, nausea, lightheadedness, sweating, chest pain, respiratory difficulty, muscle tension, difficulty falling asleep, and feeling on edge or nervous. These occur in response to specific triggering situations.

4. Both men and women experience anxiety disorders.

While most anxiety disorders are more common in women, all six types can affect both genders. And research suggests that OCD and social anxiety disorder affect men and women equally.

5. Anxiety disorder treatment requires a comprehensive approach—not just a “quick fix” with medication.

Anxiety therapy is generally the most effective when it is individualized and involves multiple modalities including medication, therapy, lifestyle modifications, and individual/peer/family support.

Looking for Anxiety Treatment Near Marysville WA?

At Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital, our team provides the highest quality anxiety treatment in a caring environment (both inpatient and outpatient) which emphasizes the individual—not the condition. To arrange a free assessment, call our A & R Department in Marysville WA now at (360) 651-6400.